All about being a Frenchie Maman in London but not only!

Are Blog Awards a scam? 1 Mummy Blogger wonders…

Caution. This post might be a bit controversial. It might even offend some of you. Or you just might be reading it, nodding all the way through and think that Frenchie Mummy is rocking it. Either way, you are warned. It’s at your own risk if you want to carry on!

‘Congratulations! You’ve been nominated for the Bloggers Blog Awards’ said my phone yesterday. This is my Twitter. It’s vibrating and I am busy with Baba. I put it back quickly to take care of mon fils. After all, being a mummy at home is my real job at the moment. Being a blogger is a pseudo-hobby. I call it that way because, soyons réalistes, I am obsessed with it! So it’s not really a hobby anyway.

I carry on with my mummy stuff, but I can’t wait for Baba to be finished. ‘Vite! Drink your milk petit singe!’ Maman has seen this tweet and now she is well excited. You know what I am talking about, right? It’s like when you receive an email from a super brand you love asking if you want to collaborate with them. You just feel like that:

OMG!!!!

Later on at night, le bébé is sleeping so maman can get on with her stuff and keep ignoring Grumpy Boyfriend who doesn’t care anyway. Too busy killing a dragon or whatever creature it is in his video game! So I can look at this tweet. So excited! But then…

Raté!

La déception! I am not a finalist. It’s just a tweet to say that people voted for me (Whoever you are, merci! You have my eternal gratitude!). But I haven’t been selected to go through the next stage.

‘Please, could you also vote for us in the category NEW BLOGGER ON THE BLOCK by clicking on the following link?’ You remember seeing that message on my posts over the last month? Well, I didn’t make it. I checked the list of finalists. It made me giggle. Some people there have been blogging for 3 years or so. They are not newbie bloggers! They have thousands of followers. Ok, I am very disappointed. I thought I had a chance. It is not like I tried to win BiBs or something like that!

Raté! I now realise one important thing. Je suis un petit poisson. Yes, I am a very very little fish in the blogosphere.

Frenchie Mummy is a small fish in the blogosphere, but a big one in Frenchie land. You just don’t know it yet! LOL

It doesn’t matter if I have thousands of views each month and I receive the most lovelycomments ever on my posts. I am NO ONE. And I have NO chance to win whatsoever anytime soon. Because when you think about it, the big fish win! Bitter moi? Yes, a bit. I must admit…

I had an interesting conversation about awards and getting votes with a fellow blogger some weeks ago. This person is great. Their blog is fab and they have been going on for years. And yet, nothing! They don’t believe in begging for some votes. Something I did without any shame over the last weeks, because I truly (naively?!) believed that I had a chance with that Bloggers Blog Awards.

Are blogs awards a patting exercise and a fame quest? I start wondering. Now, I feel like I have been kind of selling myself for some votes! I remember when I told Grumpy Boyfriend about it, he laughed. ‘You are selling your soul to the devil!’ He was not wrong.

And what for? To feel recognised, to feel important. Just for 5 minutes. Because whatever awards I may win (Or never! Very much more likely…), it won’t mean anything. It won’t make me a good writer. I am not, I am just playing silly!

I mean, seriously! Over the couple of days, I wrote about shitting myself over my first grey hair. I took the mick about Frenchie stereotypes. I described a lovely garden we visited. There are thousands in England! Who cares about this one in particular? I described how much of a bitch I can be sometimes (I am for sure). Does that make me a writer? Not really. I reckon I could have written this kind of things in a journal.

A notebook just to myself that nobody would ever read. So why did I feel the desire to start this blog? To be recognised. Because when I stopped my job as a teacher, the attention suddenly ceased. I was left out without a public to applaud me. And I needed a replacement. No more students to respect me or hate me. Whatever they felt about me, I had a reaction. I had their attention. That was all that mattered to me. Yes, I am an attention-seeker!

So I wanted this award and I missed it. And reflecting on it, I feel like I lost the purpose of everything. Who cares about a badge on my sidebar? Do I only want to be popular?

Having been blogging for about 3 months now, I really challenged myself. I discover about coding, Twitter and so much more. Why can I just enjoy those victories? And all those comments and kind words people gave me. They cried, they giggled and they laughed because of my blabbering. Isn’t enough?

God knows that I also experienced some other bad moments. I have been described as “a little girl living in London’. That made me laugh. This person was trying to be nice. But I thought to myself ‘I am not really a little girl’?. Or maybe they didn’t really read my blog and thought that Baba was a girl?

I have also been told that I was condescending. Yeah, a person literally said I was an idiot! That made me laugh too. Well, not at first! I reckon if I were in the same room as this person, I might have slapped them by accident… I told you before, I can be violent!

To get back to the Blog Awards thing… That was the point of this post in the first place really! It’s ok. I get it now. I am a little fish, swimming along, enjoying the warm water. Long live to all those little fish like me. Because they talk with their heart.

This post is for you, fellow petits poissons.

Which one are you, bloggers?

You are doing great and I love reading your posts! And to those big fish who are the winners, who make ‘little girls’ like me dreaming about getting 5 minutes fame. I love your posts too. You must have worked super hard to reach that point. I am not angry at you or jealous of your success. We don’t play on the same team. I am finishing my ego trip here. Because I am not that girl.

That’s it, folks. I finished my rant! The first one ever on my blog (And the last one I hope! That is not really the person I like being…). I would love to hear what you think about blogs awards and votes. After all, you are the ones that make them. Because you vote and you buy tickets to assist those events…

Awwwwwww *sending giant virtual hugs. The reality is that there are zillions of parenting bloggers out there. But don’t let that throw you, or make you feel like a little fish. Be a big fish in your own circle of blogger pals, blog from the heart, and things will happen for you. Have a read of this http://3littlebuttons.com/blogging/are-you-a-superblogger/ 🙂 xx

I try to never get caught up with all the blog awards that are out there, my favourite blogs never win and you’re right, it’s always the obvious ‘big fish’ who walk away with the prize. Although I did win bronze for my photography last year and was amazed, not even a nomination this year though, but c’est la vie! 😉 #SundayBest

I think it is utterly normal to feel this way – blogging awards, like so many things we aspire to ‘have’ are often like a wonderful carrot dangled in front of bloggers and can take away from the enjoyment of writing if you aren’t very careful. Three months is such a short time. I have only been going for 8 and it already feels like a long time in a way because I have learned so much. The thing is, I LOVE blogging/writing and know I would do it, awards or not… and you clearly do to as your blog is FAB. And I think as long as that remains at the forefront, rants are definitely allowed!! #EatSleepBlogRT

It’s nice to get some award but I assume that you doing it for yourself alderweirelda for people who want to read your posts. I started my blog 2 weeks ago and I can’t compare it to other blogs which exist ages? yours blog is fresh as well so soon awards will come don’t worry. Sorry for my English is not my first language ?

I think being nominated itself is already an achievement and chosen as the winner is even better! Well done for you for being nominated… Honestly, I have been blogging for more than a year now and never been nominated, but I’m not really bothered with it. It’s probably nice being acknowledged but it’s not the purpose why I’m blogging. Cheers to all of Us! #AnythingGoes

I think your blog is fab hun and so do all your readers who keep coming back for more. Don’t worry about the award and there’s nothing wrong with being a little fish. Keep writing your brilliant posts lady and keep doing what you love, you might get an award one day or you might not..as long as you love what you’re doing it shouldn’t matter xx #anythinggoes

In Yiddish we say, Patsh zikh nit in beicheleh, ven fisheleh iz noch in teicheleh. It means: Don’t rub your belly when the little fish is still in the pond.
I too am a newbie little fish, and together lets grow, and not goet gobbled up!
M’wah t you Frenchie Mama! #bigpinklink #mg

Hello lovely – I am a fellow small fish!! To be honest I cant ever imagine being a big fish – but I am fine with that I think!! Well done on your nomination – one day we will be up there saying our thank you speeches! Ha! #mg #sundaybest

It is easy to feel like a little fish in this enormous pond but I do believe that there is room for us all… awards are tricky… most of us lay our hearts on the line in our blogs and the getting g caught up in statistics or awards can feel like selling our souls, I agree. #BigPinkLink

It can be difficult as you are right, the people with the biggest following always get the awards. At the end of the day though, it is all subjective. At the BiBs, there were some people who won awards whose blogs I love and who I thought really deserved their awards. But I have to admit, there are other popular blogs I am less keen on and I didn’t really understand why there was so much hype about them. Basically all that proves is that everything is a matter of opinion and what I think is great might not be to everyone’s taste, and vice versa. Keep doing what you’re doing, and as long as you’re happy with your blog, that’s what matters.

Love your honesty here! Whilst it would be amazing to win an award (who wouldn’t love that?) it doesn’t mean you don’t have lots of other blog-related achievements to celebrate. You’re doing a great job. Keep being you! #SundayBest

I’ve always felt a bit uncomfortable with the whole blog-awards thing. While I’d love to win one (of course), I don’t feel comfortable promoting myself, so it’s probably never going to happen. That being said, I know lots of great bloggers who have never won anything, and it doesn’t diminish their writing in any way. As for you, you’ve accomplished loads in just 3 months – be proud! #EatSleepBlogRT

The MAD awards did a similar thing this year, where they tweeted absolutely absolutely everyone who had a nomination, wording it in a way that lead you to believe you’d made it!! Like you, I thought I’d made the finals for a second, then was hugely disappointed!! I got caught up in awards too, and had the same realisations as you-the competition is FIERCE!!! But I realised that I wasn’t even thinking about awards when I started blogging, or popularity. I just wanted to write, empty my head, and get things off my chest. I didn’t care if nobody read it. But I slowly got caught up in too many linkies, constantly wanting Mumsnet/toys100 features, and wishing I was as popular as Hurrah For Gin. I’d lost my real purpose for blogging! As you say-little fish, big pond!! For the majority of people, no matter how well you write, if you’re chasing popularity and recognition-you’ll be disappointed! It’s just about adjusting expectations!! You are fab, and always bring a smile to my face!!
#bigpinklink

Ah, you rant away lovely! That’s what blogging is all about – voicing your opinions! I love your blog and I voted for you. I am 5 months in and haven’t achieved anywhere near as much as you, but I love it. Don’t let it knock you back. Xx #EatSleepBlogRT

I love your style of writing, it is so fresh and honest! The awards don’t interest me which is just as well as I haven’t even been nominated, let alone won anything!

I blog for two reasons, firstly because I love writing and secondly because I hope it will support my daytime job which is also writing, but quite prescriptive! I need the creative outlet.

Awards have never been the same for me since I saw an ex-colleague positively begging for supporting (read begging) letters towards her MBE which her partner had put her forward for! So even the Queen doesn’t personally earmark people for awards ha ha!

You are definitely achieving way more than me in 3 months than I was at 3 months – hell, you are doing better than me at a year!! Be proud of your blog, and don’t get hung up on awards. I take no notice of them because I know I have NO CHANCE, but you should be proud that you got some votes. I have been feeling very disheartened about blogging in the past few weeks, but have come to realise that I should blog for the reason I started – because I love it and because I want to record mine and Alfie’s journey #bestandworst

Hmm I’m so so when it comes to these awards. Yes we would all like one, yes it’s nice to be recognised by our peers for something we do that we love but there is an element of a popularity contest about it and I’m not so sure about that part. That’s not to belittle anyone who has won because they should be very proud and it is an achievement but for many it’s not why we started blogging or what it is or should be all about. For what it’s worth I enjoy reading your posts they make me smile and hopefully comments like that mean just as much as an award xxx #bigpinklink

I totally get you. We’re brought up to focus on achievements, like a certificate or something defines who we are. Just think back to school days – I remember getting 5m swimming badges for goodness sake. In the last two years of junior school, the headmaster gave out books as prizes to random clsssmates in assembly for various achievements. I remember not getting anything the first year and then sitting in anticipation the next, sure my name would be called this time. Of course it wasn’t. Left me scarred for life! The adult in me knows that achievement comes in so many different guises. Just sometimes, that hurt little 11 year old girl in me chirps up now and again with moments of self doubt wanting a book, or an award, to prove my worth. I suppose it’s this side of us that keeps us moving forward and striving to be the best we can possibly be.

I love your blogs – I did nominate you! – and I know you’re going to come out of this much more determined and writing even more killer posts!!

You are so kind. And right!!!! I never thought about it this way but you are right. We are programmed from school to achieve and win!!!! And I am part of it as a teacher…. Thanks for your lovely comment. I don’t care anymore about it, especially when I see the fantastic reception that my posts have! Thanks for voting for me. YOu are a ? xxxx

I have never bothered with blog awards or nominations. I write because i enjoy it, nothing more. There are lots of amazing blog i love to read because i like their blogs, not because they have an award 🙂 Thanks for linking up to #EatSleepBlogRt

I have been blogging for only a couple of months and in someways to get attention. My life revolves around my family and sometimes it’s just great to write and get some nice comments on your work.Im not saying a few awards wouldnt hurt in the future but for noe as long as i keep everyone laughting im happy.#brillblogposts

This post made me laugh. And I think it raised a really important point. Our ego might like awards, but what really matters is that we connect with people, and that they enjoy reading our stuff. I’m not too bothered about awards because I’m not really part of that world. I have heard of the Bibs but not really sure what it is! #brilliantblogposts

Great post. I’ve been nominated a couple of times, tried the whole begging for votes thing and didn’t like how I felt afterwards.
It stands to reason that those with lots of followers are going to win all the awards and although it pains me to say it, I’ve seen many bloggers who I don’t consider to be *the best* writers (in my humble opinion of course) win awards. Frustrating? Yes, however, not that surprising. Just keep doing you and bollocks to the awards. You know you’re good at what you do x #brillblogposts

There’s a lot to be said for writing for the joy of writing! The blogging community can be so supportive, but it can also be thoroughly depressing, depending on which way the wind is blowing and which day of the week it is, I find. 🙂 Write from the heart (as you clearly do!) and the awards will follow. xx

I have to say I wonder about the value of these awards too, but I am a very new blogger and haven’t even dared to dream I could be eligible (yet). It’s easy to feel disappointed when things don’t go your way, whether with awards or even the stats on a single day’s post! And when you read other blogs and it seems like everyone has an award or is a featured blogger on some other site. But you are a great writer and lots of people enjoy your work – keep going and you will be a gran poisson in no time (my French is probably wrong). 🙂

I had to read this when I saw it on Twitter! I totally understand where you’re coming from…BUT I have to say that little fish do get recognised too! When I won the BiBs this year I was totally shocked – I’ve been blogging for 18 months now but I don’t have a huge number of social media followers or page views. I’m not a big fish and I’m certainly not a super blogger. I’m pretty sure I didn’t get thousands of votes and the judges put me through…just keep doing what you’re doing and don’t get hung up with awards, followers, page views etc. I love your blog posts they make me smile and it’s obvious that you have fun writing them. Just keep on doing what you’re doing and good things will come – I did pretty much nada in the first six months, you’ve achieved so much already xx

I have been blogging and writing online for over 5 years now and in the early years I did get blogging awards. The first ones, I gladly accepted, thanked the person that nominated me and wrote about it on my blog. But slowly, but surely I got over it and would privately thank the person and then just move on. But after blogging for years now, I confess the last thing I want to get is a blogging award that I have to sit and write about. Might sound rude or even pretentious, but in all honesty I would much rather write about what I want to write about then have to write about a made up blog award. Great post and thank you for sharing your thoughts about blogging awards here. #SHINEbloghop

Yes, I love to blog and strive for the heady recognition that comes to others with apparant ease. However, I remain true to myself and my blog. Awards would be great but they can take a looong time to come (especially when a newbie – 3 years later it seems!). As long as people are commenting and sharing, that’s good enough for me. For now!

Just popping back, this time with #brillblogposts. You have written a brilliant post that I expect will be the talk of the week. Never doubt yourself, you are a fab writer and don’t let anyone tell you otherwise 🙂 xx

You rant away! I totally get it – you hear you’ve been nominated and you think ‘wow, someone out there liked me enough to vote – I’m in with a chance!’ and that tiny slither builds into something. I suppose it’s only logical that the established bloggers with the most followers would get the most votes, but surely a 3 year old blog does not fit into the newbie category? But that aside, I love your blog, and it’s clear from all the fab comments that so many other people do too. We’re all little fishes, just carry on writing and enjoy what you’re doing. Thanks so much for joining us again at #SharingtheBlogLove

It’s good to get it off your chest – everyone needs a rant sometimes. The blog awards I have seen usually get won by the big bloggers, but occasionally a fabulous blogger slips in with the big boys! Keep up the good work, you are doing great for 3 months in and you have to have a dream right? #EatSleepBlogRT

I don’t think I’m a fish so much as one of those single-celled organisms when it comes to my place in the blogosphere. And the chances are that I’ll never be anything more than that. But that’s okay; it’s good to write about stuff and maybe make one or two people feel something every now and again. And the comments I get sometimes are lovely and encouraging and they keep me believing that there is an actual point to this whole thing.
As for you, I think you’re doing amazingly, and I’m sure there are more nominations – and hopefully even an award or two – in your future :).

I find myself a little sceptical about blogging awards too. I think it takes A LOT of effort to win – both to gain popularity and get enough followers to win but also promoting yourself and your category in the run up to the awards. I’m afraid I just don’t have the time to do that at the mo, and not really sure how the big bloggers have the time to do this AND be parents, wives, run a house and sometimes have a day job.

At the moment I’m just happy with the growth my blog has had and the opportunities I’m getting 🙂 Good on you for sharing your views on this X #bigpinklink

I think just carry on doing what you’re doing. I’ve never made any awards shortlists, but I’ve never canvassed for nominations either. As much as it would be lovely to make it I don’t care if I don’t! Thanks for linking up to #SundayBest x

I always told myself I really wanted to win a blog award, just to prove to myself I could do it. For 3 years I hoped, without ever asking for votes. I never got anywhere. This year I decided to ask, and I found myself on the MAD awards shortlist. I’m never going to win, but it taught me that in all honesty – it’s all just about asking for votes…and does that really even mean anything?! It just kind of proves to me that its all more of a popularity contest than a true reflection of talent or worth. I wont be getting caught up in all it again next year 🙂 Thanks for joining us at #SundayBest!

I get frustrated with my blog if I don’t reach the leadership targets, however throughout August, I moved my blog and I’m not using social media to my advantage because I’ve had too much on – my dissertation is due on September 6th for my MA in English. I also start a teaching qualification two weeks later and need to complete a test in the meantime! Along with work as an online Assessor and a freelance writer (jobs which I am currently paid for) I have had very little time for my blog. I’ve never even been nominated for an award to be honest and I’ve been blogging for around 20 months now! I know that in September, I’m going to have to work more and build up my readership again, but it isn’t easy. I think you do extraordinarily well with your blog only being 3 months old, so don’t be too hard on yourself! Thanks for linking up to #AnythingGoes 🙂

There are just many awards big and small it’s never ending. I don’t really pay attention unless it’s ones where fellow bloggers have nominated me that is always lovely to receive. I will never be a big blogger and nor do I aim to be. I’m happy being me, doing my thing. Thank you for joining us at #SharingtheBlogLove Laura X

I was fascinated to read this rant – I love it! I’ve been wondering about Blog Awards since I began blogging (about 2 months ago) and, yes I would absolutely love to win one some day, but I agree with you – us little fishes write with our hearts and with the hope that one day in the future we may be lucky enough to be up there with the big fishes – but until then we’ll keep on honing our writing and enjoying knowing some people enjoy reading what is in our heads! #brilliantblogposts

Well, now I am sitting here wondering if ‘Bloggers Blog’ is an actual thing, or just a made up name you have used to cover which one you are really talking about (& if it’s the latter, I am now wondering if the shortlist came out for one I did know about & I missed it – still, if so, I’m clearly not on it so oh well)! I have to confess that when I made the shortlist but then not the finals of the BiBs I was far more upset than I expected to be for quite a while. I think you’re right – it’s easy to get far too caught up in it all. The fact is, there are so many blogs out there that not making a list of a final 5 is really not an indication of merit – so many really great blogs will be missing out as 5 is such a small number of all the blogs out there. & the ones selected by number of nominations are of course more likely to be won by big bloggers with many followers. It’s all so complex. Like the Tots rankings too – easy to get dragged into excitement/upset over your position on them (& I do), but in many ways it is quite arbitrary & quite meaningless. The last awards I entered, I didn’t end up heavily promoting after the first couple of days as personal problems got in the way, so I’m now taking a ‘que sera, sera’ attitude to it, and accept I will probably not get anywhere (& may have even missed shortlist announcement – see above). Which is probably the healthiest attitude to have to it all anyway. As long as you enjoy writing & people enjoy reading it, that’s what matters. & I certainly enjoy your blog, so it’s all good! #anythinggoes

Frenchie I love your blog and no award will ever give you as much kudos and satisfaction as your readers. I think youre right though. It’s very difficult for little fish to find that recognition. And what does an award really mean anyway?

I get this completely, small fish but I like our pond. I really love your blog, your writing is honest and witty. Reading the above comments you clearly are respected within the blogger community. It’s nice to win awards, but what you have earned from your peers, the recognition etc. that’s something that’s pretty amazing. #momsterslink

I struggle with these thoughts a lot. Sometimes I would love to be recognized, but mostly I just appreciate the readers I have who are fantastic and keep coming back. As long as they like my content, I’m pretty darn happy. #momsterslink

Goodness – you’ve only been blogging for 3 months??! You’ve done so much! Awards smards (if you get my drift!!) – I wouldn’t worry at all about them…they should make sure their criteria is obvious though as 3 years doesn’t sound much like a ‘newbie’. I hope you don’t get disheartened, I like reading your posts. From a fellow petite poisson (eek not sure if it’s petit or petite!) xx

Well done on getting nominated – that’s an achievement in itself! Don’t be too hard on yourself for not winning – I think you should be happy that you have a blog as good as this in only 3 months. I’m a bit envious actually! I think it’s great to get recognition, but I think the main thing is that you enjoy what you’re doing and I can tell that you do from the way you write. Little fish or big fish, I think you’re doing brilliantly! #momsterslink

Awards who needs them yes I would like one but resigned myself a long time ago I will never get one oh well not to worry I just want people to enjoy what I write and that’s enough and make a few pounds along the way blogging who in their right mind would do it #justanotherlinky

If it makes you feel better, I haven’t been nominated for anything is the past year and a half. If this isn’t proof that the whole thing is either rigged or run by fools, I know of no better evidence. just kidding ( mostly )

Hi Cecile, I love your honesty! Being a blog award winner is not the be all and end all, there are plenty of decent blogs out there that have never won awards and probably never will (there are only so many to go around!).

And to be honest I feel like a ‘winner’ every time someone actually reads my blog, don’t you?

I’ve been doing this for three years and I don’t think I’ve ever been nominated for anything! I do love seeing my friends doing well and lots of them have done amazingly this year but I do think some of the awards ceremonies are a bit of a popularity contest – but hey, that’s life! I’m proud of my blog and I hope you’re proud of yours because it’s great! #KCACOLS

Thank you so much. You are very kind. I learned to be proud of it! All the lovely comments I get on a daily basis are the proof that my blog is good. Never mind the awards, I am not going after them anymore…
Thanks for reading both my posts x

I got my first nomination for an award this year for newbie and my blog is over 2 years old. I don’t mind the awards but I’m long resigned to being in the ‘I have no chance of winning anything’ camp these days #kcacols

Really interesting read as I have been ‘properly’ blogging for about a year and I’m still finding out so much about the blogging world! I hadn’t realised there were awards and events until a few months ago and I certainly wont be interested in attending very much. I enjoy writing about my experiences and reviewing products I’m genuinely interested in, I don’t make any money out of it and don’t really expect to. I think sometimes the meaning of what people write about is lost when your ‘chasing’ an award or a job 🙂

Loved this and completely relate. I was nominated for several categories in the blog awards the other month and I was hugely excited…momentarily. Then I realised that actually, it’s a popularity contest and that the small fish, like us, never win. I also know, and this may be controversial also, that it isn’t necessarily the best writers that win these awards, nor the most beautiful photographer, and that makes me feel a little better about myself. I also know that I don’t blog to win awards, or even to be popular, I blog because I love to write and I think it took me a long time to realise that blogging and writing ARE very different, I think you need to work very hard to succeed as a blogger and yet to write? For me, it’s very easy. In that way, I think we are all winners at what we do. #justanotherlinky

It’s not all about the awards! I don’t expect to win anything, but I’m certainly going to enjoy drinking the free wine at the ceremony. That’s basically my motto to live by. There are SO MANY brilliant bloggers out there, and much of it is down to luck, but at the end of the day you have to blog because you enjoy it! Thanks so much for linking up at #KCACOLS. Hope you come back again next Sunday

I would be lying to everyone, including myself if I said that deep down I didn’t want some form of recognition. So when people who have been blogging a few months are getting nominated for awards I understand that little pang of jealousy.
However, like you, I didn’t start this for awards but to put my thoughts out to the world and share my experiences as a parent in this mad world.
So well said and keep doing it from the heart #KCACOLS

This is all really new to me as I started blogging a few months ago and I’m still not really sure where i ‘fit in’. I’m definitely another small fish – and I’m sure that awards are not everything! Wow there is so much to learn! #KCACOLS

Love your post. Although some blog awards do have judges choices as well as nominations/voting, although most are voting which of course are dependent on getting in quick/being pushy/shameless. Most newbie awards are quite strict on the length of time though I think.

I can’t be bothered with them. There’s no way I’ll ever win, or likely be shortlisted even in categories where I think I stand a good chance going on the basis of the type of posts I write. But those are the categories that the big guys always win. Yes, I’d love to win, who wouldn’t, but I’ve got other things to do with my blog that are more important and longlasting

I’m pretty sure I’m not even a fish in this very big pond, I’m like the pond weed or something …probably lol! I was also a teacher before I started my blog and now I’m starting to wonder if I too am just an attention seeker!
I don’t know the answer about the awards … I’ve never thought too much about them but then I’ve never been nominated so I guess I’ve not had much reason to think about it xx #kcacols

Eh, I’m on the fence with blogging awards. It’s nice being recognized by fellow bloggers, but awards where people have to vote for you? I don’t care much honestly. I love writing whatever the heck I want. If people love it, great!

Ah yes, I certainly agree. I followed the first round of blog awards and then I got bored. My blog is for me and if I start writing for brands of to win awards I know that I will enjoy blogging less. Let the awards continue but I for one am abdicating from the competition. Pen x #KCACOLS

First of all I think it’s wonderful that you were nominated and the fact that you didn’t get to the finishing post – well that generally means something else is on its way. This post really interested me for a number of reasons. Mainly because well, as you know, as bloggers we are self-sufficient souls and every so often there is just something a little extra that we need. I’m not sure quite what the magical ingredient is – is it an award? Wonderful of course but is it the thing we are after to fill that ‘gap’ you describe? I don’t have an answer – just thinking out loud and offering up some food for thought? #KCACOLS

I loved this post. Sometimes I wonder why I’m blogging. What is the point? What do I hope to achieve exactly? Being a mum can be lonely. There’s little to no recognition. My appointments with health visitors are unsatisfying and didn’t turn out anywhere like the end of year review I was expecting, where I can brag about everything I’ve learnt and just generally big myself up. I want a score card! I want to show how I’ve been SMART! I want a promotion and maybe a pay rise. Failing that, I’ll write my blog. #familyfun

I’m just always flattered to be nominated, but I learnt early on not to chase votes. It definitely comes down to who you know, so what’s the point? I do what I do, and have done for more than 3 years now, for me and my sanity. Not to be told by people I don’t know that *they* think I’m doing that better than someone else. Congrats on being nominated but I would agree that awards are not important.

I LOVE your honesty! I’ve been blogging for about a week (LOL) and I’m learning so much. I was thinking the other day how amazing it would be to get a prestigious ‘blog award’ (didn’t even know they had them) but feeling like a tiny little drop in a big blog ocean! I’d love for people to actually read what I write and relate to it but am I really something outstanding compared to other bloggers? Sometimes I think maybe there’s just too many people doing it and the chances of being seen and heard and shared are very slim! I’m trying to enjoy just writing again rather than chase recognition
#ablogginggoodtime

And I think you are absolutely right. Otherwise you can be so hurt and disappointed. As long as you keep doing what you love, it’s the most important. I won’t say no to an award if it happens but I won’t be running after one anymore! Thank you so much for your lovely comment. Hope to see again you soon x

An interested post. when I started blogging back in 2013, I had no idea there were such thing as blog awards. When I got nominated, I do get excited BUT I know I’ll never ever win an award – I don’t expect to either.
That is a shame you didn’t win because I love the way you write and a shame that 3+ years bloggers where classed as ‘newbies’! I wouldn’t class myself as a newbie blogger.
Thank you for linking up to #justanotherlinky

I don’t even know what awards there are and how you go about entering! I’m new to blogging so I’m not even thinking about awards, but interesting to think how I’ll feel in the future. Just keep doing what you’re doing! #ablogginggoodtime

Oh good this is a good topic can that divide or unite hun. I think you know my position after my post about what makes a brilliant blogger. recognition is nice but I think he have to do it for you! Thanks for linking with us at #ablogginggoodtime

I write because I love to write but I’m fairly open about the fact I would love to win an award one day. Sadly, as someone who doesn’t have the time or inclination to play the popularity game – if other people want to do it, that’s fine and I have no problem with that – I know I’ll never win one (obviously it’s NOT because I’m not good enough …), but hey. There’s nothing wrong with pining after awards, I think, as long as it doesn’t become all-consuming. At the end of it all, I dust myself off and keep on writing. C’est la vie. #KCACOLS

Such an honest post *high five*. Personally can’t be done with begging, I would love a reward if I was selected but not one for desperately asking people. I think he they randomly chose the person would be better as there is less influence from being popular and who you know. I am defiantly probably just a fish air bubble ? X #effitfriday

It’s nice to be nominated even if it doesn’t translate into a nomination nomination. Not so much about the award but at least having some outside recognition of what you spend a deceptively long time thinking about, crafting, writing and editing before pressing publish and unleashing it on the linkies.

I’ve resigned myself to the fact that I won’t be in the hallowed halls. I’m a parent that blogs rather than a parent blogger so I’d sit awkwardly amongst most nominees.

Oh yes! Lol. I agree. I was quite depressed about the whole awards thing – not that I had a right to be as I am also a little fish!! You are right we should congratulate ourselves for the things we are learning. I wish I had read this a couple of months ago I could have done with the kick up the butt then!! Xx #TwinklyTuesday xx

Such a fab post and an interesting topic – I think sometimes we have to remind ourselves why we starting blogging in the first place. I, for one, think that your blog is fantastic and you know how much I love it…I can’t quite believe you’ve only been blogging for 3 months, as it really took me 2-3 months to find my voice and writing style. You are doing fantastic lovely! There is nothing wrong with wanting the recognition that comes with winning an award, but I feel the same as you much of the time…a very small fish…but we should just keep swimming along any way 🙂 xxx #ablogginggoodtime

In my first year of blogging I felt really disheartened that no one had liked my blog enough to nominate me, but I’m totally over that way of thinking now. I do enjoy following blog awards, to find new blogs I haven’t previously read and to support those who I already love. I’ve accepted that I’ll never been a winner but it’s a bit of fun anyway #effitfriday

For only blogging 3 months you are doing fabulous! I didn’t even really do anything with my blog for the first 6 months after starting it. It took me that much time to decide if I really wanted to make the time to dedicate to it. Just know that all that really matters is you feel good about what you are putting out on the World Wide Web and there are people reading it. The stats really don’t matter. They can drive you bat shit crazy really. Thanks for linking up with #momsterslink.

Some days I think I’d like to win an award and then some days I think I haven’t the energy or the dress to go with the winning. Fellow little fish who has gotten something even better than an award from blogging, which is real friends and people reaching out to me to help me as I moved to Doha. That’s blogging. That’s love. That’s the power of words xx

Frenchie Maman I love you!!
Your blog is one of the few that I will seek out on Linkys to read because I adore the way you write.
Perhaps you could become notorious for not winning?! Now there an idea…
I have to admit I don’t like asking for votes- I got super excited to be nominated by some awards and I couldn’t bring myself to post the voting link into any pages! I didn’t even tell my husband! I have issues… I know! Haha.
Don’t stop blogging- that’s an order.
Big love, L
Xxx
#didntfindyouonalinky !!

I think we all have moments of crisis of faith, but as other’s have said if you love writing and love what you’ve written you’re already winning. My blog is a parent/fiction hybrid so I do it because I love writing. X ps screw the trolls, the billy goat gruffs trick (him) in the end anyway.

From one petite poisson to the other, I think your blog is wonderful. But I get where you’re coming from, because I used to be a teacher too, and now I’m A SAHM, and I still think I need a certain amount of recognition. However, there are lots of blogging awards out there. For example, the Liebster Award and the Sunshine Award. These are awards you win simply because another blogger think your blog is amazing. Even though some bloggers think these kinds of awards are silly, I think they’re great because your peers and readers are giving it to you, and you can give it back to another blogger. I like getting that kind of award.
-Fabi at Wonder Fabi

Thank you so much for your comment and subscribing to my blog. It’s because of people like you that I must continue it! You are right on so many points! I am over the whole thing now but I must admit it’s so difficult not to compare myself to other bloggers sometimes … Hope to see you soon xx

I am in the first week of my new blog. I feel like I’ve already put hours into it for 11 little views. It would mean a bloody awful lot if you could take a look and perhaps give me a little feedback. I am almost certainly the teeniest fishy on here!

Thanks so much. I am trying to remain anonymous as some of my posts will be quite controversial I guess (and I don’t want my mum to know that I have sex … apart from the two times I conceived her grandchildren). Therefore I have set up a dodgy facebook page under a fake name and hope that gradually I’ll build up some traffic. I should probably lose my twitter virginity also. Thanks for taking the time to respond, means so much.

Love your post. You have written so much about why we blog. You have a great style of writing, and I encourage you to keep up the great writing even if you don’t win the awards. Awards get you started, but something internal keeps you going even when no one seems to notice. You just never know who is reading your posts and out of the blue a friend or colleague will pop up and say, “I read all your posts.” or “You’re so quiet, who knew?” So keep going! 🙂

Your expression of emotions in a very casual way was very impressive. I just loved the flow of writing. For any writer, its the way of writing that matters and you have the knack. Keep going, write whatever you feel. The more you write the more you get confident and I am sure, very soon you will reach heights. Keep blogging. After all, writing is bragging, ranting, and exaggerating anything and everything. So, i seriously feel, you are well on track. Don’t give up. The ups and downs are all in the game.

Oh Cécile what an interesting well written post (which I found via your shout out to 20 bloggers you loved in 2016). I DO get where you’re coming from BUT I also have to agree with Mum in Brum. Like her, when I won my BiBs I went into total shock as I saw myself as a little fish too (cela dit, je suis un poisson comme je suis née le 4 mars…see what I did there 🙂 ) and frankly couldn’t believe who I beat in the shortlist of 10 because two of them were enormous fish! I do get you questioning the integrity because frankly I’ll never understand the ‘mechanics’ of how I won (which is a nightmare as I’m someone who questions everything and has an innate need to understand everything…yes I’m an absolute pleasure to live with). But one thing I learned is that it doesn’t matter about your social media following (mine’s tiny) etc. That said…is an award really all that important? Il faut que l’on discute all things blogging over a few glasses of wine one day during one of my visits back to the UK…deal? Bonne année

Oh yes for the wine and a blogging conversation! Et j’adore le français ! I understand where you are coming from. I agree with you and sometimes really talented people win the awards. I have no interest in it anymore. I suppose at the time I wrote this post, I was very new and very naive. I write for other reasons than awards and that’s enough for me. Thank you for such a great and deep comment x

Well I, er, need to be careful as I recently won a blogging award and have just made it to the finals of another one! Seeing some of the comments above, I don’t think winning has much to do with the size of your social media following. That said, I’ve become a bit disillusioned with those awards that have a public vote element. You see an awful lot of blog posts saying “these are the guys I’m going to vote for” and it looks very cliquey. Essentially, blog awards recognised this way can be a popularity content and the best blogs very often aren’t the most popular because the writers have something to say and aren’t afraid to be unpopular from time to time. I’ll also tell you this, a guy blogging in the parenting world is at an instant disadvantage. In the award ceremony I won, there were separate mum and dad categories (which is very rare). As for being a petit poisson, I’d go and take a look at who has won awards in previous years. Sometimes being small is definitely an advantage. I wouldn’t be put off entering awards, but I’d cast your net a bit wider. There are other awards out there that aren’t solely for bloggers or are smaller in nature but have a more transparent judging process.